Accident Details
A rental airplane experienced a porpoising event during landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. The approach was initially described as normal by the pilot. However, the flap position indicator had ceased functioning during the flight, and the pilot estimated that he had used 20 degrees of flaps for the approach and landing.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that after the runway was made, he reduced the throttle to idle and initiated a flare. Despite the throttle being fully retarded, the engine continued to produce a significant amount of power, estimated between 1,200 and 1,600 rpm. The aircraft bounced after the initial touchdown. In an attempt to settle the airplane onto the runway, the pilot lowered the nose, resulting in three additional bounces. The pilot reported that the only way to stop the excess thrust was to move the mixture control to idle cutoff. After this action, the engine continued to run for 30 seconds or more before finally shutting down.
Engine and Carburetor Examination
Maintenance records indicated that the engine had been overhauled on January 16, 2002, and installed on the airframe on March 12, 2002, approximately 17 hours before the accident. The carburetor was noted as having been overhauled at the same time. Safety Board investigators examined the airplane and engine at the operator's maintenance facility. The carburetor exhibited fuel staining from the parting surface gasket. Continuity of the power controls between the cockpit and the carburetor was established. The carburetor was removed and tested on a calibrated fuel flow bench, where it flowed to specification and the float stopped the flow at the correct level. Subsequent disassembly revealed that the screws securing the bowl chamber to the carburetor body were tight, the brass floats were intact and correctly set, and the jets were clear.
Runway Information
According to the NOAA Airport Facility Directory entry for Catalina Airport, runway 22 is asphalt and measures 3,240 feet long by 100 feet wide, with a 1.7 percent upslope for the first 2,000 feet. The runway is equipped with a Visual Approach Slope Indicator set to 3 degrees.